Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Psychology Paper 1 > Psychopathology > Flashcards

Psychopathology Flashcards

1
Q

Abnormalty definitions

A

Deviation from social norms
Failure to function adequately
Deviation from ideal mental health
Statistical infrequency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are deviations from social norms

A

Every culture has acceptable behaviours/norms and behaviour that deviated away from this is considered abnormal. Social norms are approved and expected ways of behaving in a particular society e.g dress for ages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

One strength of using deviation from social norms to outline abnormality

A

Has real life application to diagnosing certain disorders
E.g diagnosis of anti social personality disorder- requires failure to conform to ethical standards of behaviour
Shows has value in psychiatry and support can be put in place

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Two limitations of using deviation from social norms as a definition for abnormality

A

Culturally specific- what might be considered abnormal in our culture may not be in others-cultural relativism
Label some as abnormal using our standards and not considering theirs, hearing voices acceptable in Caribbean but not in Uk
Lots of cultures living in one country people may be over diagnosed

Lacks temporal vadility what is acceptable can change over time
E.g homosexuality considered illness until 1974. Diagnosing hymphomania considered an attempt to control female behaviour which is not a disorder today
Impacts QOL and victims unfairly treated due to use of the definition and lead to human rights abuses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does failure to function adequately consider abnormality as

A

Inability of to cope with everyday life and looks at abmorality from individual point of view rather than what the society thinks is abnormal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Examples of failure to function adequately

A

Not doing hygiene e.g showering
Not socialising
Not waking up and getting ready

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What signs have rosenhan and seligman proposed as some additional signs someone is no longer coping

A

Person no longer conforms to standard interpersonal rules
Severe personal distress
Irrational or dangerous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the global assessment of functioning

A

A numerical scale used by metal health clinicians and physicians to rate subjectivity the social, occupational and psychological functioning of an individual. Measure how much persons symptoms effects the day to do life 0-100. 100- superior functioning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are some issues with asking patients to subjectively rate their own experiences (global assessment of functioning)

A

Social desirability bias- may lie as they don’t want a diagnosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

One strength of using failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

A

Represents a sensible threshold for when people need professional help.
E.g 25% experience mental health problems. Most people will seek help or be advised by others e.g if behaviour becomes irrational or dangerous.
Means treatment and services can be targeted at who needs them most

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

2 limitations of using failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality

A

Not useful in diagnosing all mental health disorders
E.g some individuals w depression may be good at masking and do everyday life on the surface
Using this definition alone means that some might not be diagnosed and therefore miss out

Difficult to distinguish between someone who is failing to function and someone who is living an alternative lifestyle
E.g people may choose to live off grid or take part in high risk activities this is a conscious decision. This may be considered as abnormal as causing harm to themselves.
People who make unusual choices are labelled as Abnormal and freedom restricted

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is deviation from mental health as a definition of abnormality

A

Looks for absence of health and focuses on behaviours and characteristics that are seen as desirable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the 6 criteria Marie jahoda came up with which people should exhibit if they want to be classed as ideal mental health.

A

Resistance to stress
Adapting to environmen
Personal autonomy (independent)
Positive view of self
Accurate perception of reality
Self actualisation
The more criteria people fail to meet the more abnormal they are

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

One strength of using deviation from mental health as a definition of abnormality

A

Highly comprehensive
E.g ideal mental health includes a range of criteria and covers reasons why we might need help meaning mental health is discussed meaningfully
Provides a checklist and particular areas can be targeted to achieve ideal mental health

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

2 limitations of using deviation of mental health as a defeinitipn of abnormality

A

What is considered ‘ideal mental health’ varies across cultures
E.g som criteria limited to Europe and Us- individualistic cultures and self actualisation seen more selfish in collectivist cultures.
Can’t generalise to all cultures- culturally biased

Extremely high standard for mental health
E.g few of us contain all jahodas criteria or hard to maintain and high standards can be disheartening
Would class majority of people as abnormal and not effective in who to treat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality

A

Behaviour is abnormal if it falls outside range that is typical for most people- ‘statistically rare or uncommon’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

One strength of using statistical infrequency as a definition as a definition for abnormality

A

It has real life application to diagnosing disorders
E.g intellectual disability disorder is diagnosed using statistical Norms e.g have IQ in bottom or top 2% to be diagnosed
Once diagnosed interventions can be put in place to support the person and all assessments contain measurements of how severe symptoms are to statistical Norms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

2 limitations of using statistical infrequency as a definition for abnormality

A

Assumes abnormal behaviour is always statistically infrequent- not always the case.
For example depression is a common mental illness however using this definition would say it does not need help or treatment as more common
Limitation as it inaccurately measures abnormality ignoring the fact some are common therefore some people may not receive treatment when needed.

Infrequent characteristics can be positive as well as negative
E.g very few people display a characteristic of abnormality but technically they are statistically infrequent like IQ scores above 130 are abnormal but don’t need treatment unlike those below 70.
This is a limitation as it’s not sufficient as the sole basis of abnormality as doesn’t consider how they act.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is a phobia and when does a fear become one

A

Is a persistent anxiety disorder which interferes with daily living
Becomes a phobia when it negatively impacts a persons everyday life

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the 3 sections of characteristics to do with phobias

A

Behavioural
Cognitive
Emotional

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What behavioural characteristics are associated with phobias

A

Panic- people scream/cry or run away in reaction to phobic stimulus
Avoidance- effort to prevent contact with phobic stimulus- hard to go about everyday life

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Emotional characteristics of phobias

A

Anxiety- unpleasant state of high arousal- prevents an individual relaxing and makes hard to experience a positive emotion
Fear- extremely unpleasant response we feel when think about or encounter the phobic stimulus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are cognitive characteristics of phobias

A

Irrational beliefs in relation to phobic stimulus
Selective attention- can be hard to look away from when encountered- unable to concentrate on anything else.
Cognitive distortions- perception distorted- see something bigger than actually is

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is depression

A

Common mood affective disorder- prolonged disturbance of mood and emotion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What do u have to have in order to be suffering from clinical depression
At least 5 symptoms e.g disruption to sleep, disrupted eating behaviour , lowered self esteem, reduced activity levels, aggression or self harm. And persistent low mood for at least 2 weeks.
26
What is the OCD cycle
Obsessions-anxiety-compulsions-relief-
27
What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD
Compulsions- repeated behaviours that a person is triggered to do by obsessions- external components e.g repeat washing hands Avoidance- reduce anxiety by avoiding situations that trigger it and can interfere with living normally e.g stop in contact with germs
28
Emotional characteristics of OCD
Low mood/anxiert leading to depression- anxiety experienced results in low mood and loss of pleasure in everyday activities- interrupted by obsessions Guilt and disgust over own anxiety and obsessions or external things such as dirt
29
Cognitive characteristics to do with OCD
Obsessions- unwanted and recurring thoughts that a person has- internal component Catastrophic thinking and hyper vigilance- think the worst will happen and are over aware of risks
30
What is the two process model (behavioural approach to explaining phobias)
Argues phobias are learnt/aquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning
31
How are phobias learnt through classical conditioning
Associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that causes a fear resulting in a conditioned stimulus that produces a conditioned response of fear
32
What is the case study of classical conditioning to do with phobias
Little Albert study
33
How did little Alberts fear generalise to other things
His fear of white rats generalised to similar objects such as a rabbit, white mask,Santa and a fur coat
34
What is generalisation in terms of phobias
Phobia generalised to other similar objects so u are also afraid of them
35
How are phobias maintained through operant conditioning
-whenever a person avoids the phobic stimulus they escape the feelings of fear nd anxiety they would have experienced -reduction of anxiety reinforces the avoidance behaviour -phobia is maintained
36
Structure to use when having to explain a phobia using two process model or behaviourist approach
1. During conditioning process- UCS and NS paired 2.after conditioning- CS cause fear (CR) 3.generalised? 3. Negative reinforcement maintains
37
What type of operant conditioning maintains behaviour
Negative reinforcement
38
What is 2 strengths of using the behaviourist approach to explain phobias
The two process model has had real world application in creating exposure therapies Know that phobias are formed through negative past association but also know maintaining it over time is due to negative reinforcement reducing anxiety. Allowed systematic desensitisation to replace an association of anxiety with feelings of calm and relaxation and expose p stimulus Shows value as it helps treat phobias There is evidence linking phobias to bad experiences Research found that 73% of dental phobics have experienced dentistry related phobias and only 21% with low dental anxiety have experienced the same trauma. Confirms that association between a prev neutral stimulus and an UCS leads to a conditioned phobia
39
What are 2 disadvantages of using the behaviourist approach to explain phobias
Inability of the model to explain all aspects of phobias Behavioural explanations like the two process model are better for explaining behavioural characteristics such as avoidance of PS however we know phobias also have significant cognitive components e.g holding irrational thoughts Means the two process model does not fully explain the symptoms of phobias which means treatments like SD may not fully cure a phobia as only focus on behavioural characteristics Not all phobias follow a bad experience E.g snake and shark phobias occur in populations where very few have any experience with them also not all frightening experiences lead to phobias. Means the behaviourist theories are reductionist and do not provide a complete explanation for phobias. Some phobias may be better explained by evolution.
40
How can phobias be removed
By counterconditioning
41
What does counterconditioning mean
Learning a new response to the feared stimulus. Principle behind systematic desensitisation
42
What are the 3 processes involved with systematic desensitisation
1. The anxiety hierarchy is put together by a client and their therapist which is a list of situations related to the PS that provoke anxiety arranged in order to least to most frightening. 2.therapist teaches client relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or mental imagery. 3.client exposed to phobic stimulus whilst in a relaxed state. Takes place across several sessions starting at bottom of anxiety hierarchy when the Client can stay relaxed then they can move up. Treatment is successful when the client can stay relaxed in situations high on anxiety hierarchy.
43
What idea is systemic desensitisation based upon
Reciprocal inhibition. It’s impossible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time so one emotion prevents the other.
44
What is flooding
Gives clients immediate exposure to the phobic stimulus without the option of avoidance. The patient learns the phobic stimulus is harmless through exhaustion of the fear response. This is known as extinction. Very important to gain informed consent-unpleasant.
45
What are differences between the behavioural treatments for phobias
-flooding has more trauma due to immediate exposure and SD has less-gradual so used on a wider range of clients. -SD is slower-gradual over several sessions. Flooding is quicker as more quickly exposed. -SD is more expensive as more steps involved- flooding cheaper but can be more due to high drop out rates. -flooding has a higher attrition rate due to more panic and anxiety whereas SD is more relaxed and easy
46
What are 2 strengths of systematic desensitisation
Very effective in the treatment of specific phobias E.g patient who has been treated for spider phobias in 3 sessions. measures included assessing a response to spiders and a control group were only given relaxation and new exposure The SD group were less fearful than the control group Shows SD can help improve a persons quality of life as dont have to avoid situations. Less trauma involved than flooding Means can be used on a diverse range of patients as some are young so more ethical and some people wont understand what is happening so might be issues with informed consent. Means there will be low refusal rates for SD compared to flooding meaning more treated
47
What is a strength and limitation of flooding
S- as effective as other treatments for specific phobias and quicker than SD E.g ougrin found flooding is highly effective nd much quicker than SD and CBT. Patients can be cured 2-3 hours whereas SD takes 6-8. Means patient is free of phobia quicker making flood more effective and cheap. L- high attrition rate Many people refuse to start treatment once faced with it or drop out Half way through due to the traumatic processes with no option of avoidance- face fear. So time and money can be wasted preparing patients only having them refuse treatment before they have overcome. SD better
48
What is the cognitive approach to explaining depression
Focuses on how thinking shapes behaviour. Depression is seen as being caused by negative and irrational thought processes.
49
What is Aaron becks cognitive theory of depression
Beck believed some people are more vulnerable to others to develop depression due to the way a person thinks. Known as cognitive vulnerability.
50
What are the 3 parts to becks cognitive theory of depression/cognitive vulnerability
Negative schemas Faulty thought processing Negative triad
51
What are negative schemas (becks cog theory of D)
People who have become depressed have developed negative self schemas and therefore interpret all info about themselves in a negative way. Developed during childhood e.g criticism from people
52
What are the 3 faulty thought processing (cognitive theory)
-overgeneralisation- conclusions drawn from a single event linking to future occurrences -catastrophic thinking- worst case- small things out of proportion -absolutist thinking- ignoring middle ground success or failure, black and white thinking
53
What is the negative triad (cog theory)
Negative views about world Negative views about oneself Negative views about the future
54
what is albert ellis theory
its not what happens to someone that causes depression but how they deal with it
55
what is ellis ABC model
a- activating event- negative event b-belief- e.g irrational beleifs c-consequence- emotional/depression
56
what are 2 strengths of the cognitive approach to explain depression
p-supporting research (particularly becks) E-concluded that cognitive vulnerabilities were more common in people with depression and that they preceded depression and can be predicted as a recent study said- cohen C-links between CV and D which could help treatments develop p-both models have real world application in the psychological treatment of D E-e.g. understanding CV is applied in CBT(becks) to alter cognitions underlying depression making a person more resilient also evidence that REBT (Ellis) can change beliefs and relieve symptoms
57
what are 2 limitations of the cognitive approach to explain depression
p- only a partial explanation of D and so reductionist E-e.g. only considers faulty thought processes and ignores biological C-suggests model can only explain some cases of D and may receive wrong treatments. p- is controversial because located responsibility on person with D E- e.g. ABC model suggests not what happens but how they deal. critics see this as blaming the person for their thought processes. C-considered unethical and blameful
58
what are cognitive treatments for depression
CBT, REBT
59
what does cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt) include/state
in order to treat depression you need to find the root cause includes behavioural aspects: cognitive- challenges neg irrational thoughts. behavioural- change behaviour so it is more effective.
60
what is the purpose of CBT
identify negative thoughts, challenge them, replace with more rational. challenged by client, taking an active role in their treatment
61
some features of CBT
clients encouraged to test reliability of their irrational beliefs thru data gathering. they might set homework e.g to record when they enjoyed an event. referred to as 'client as the scientist'. negative situations can be targeted. in future if clients have irrational beleifs the therapist can include evidence from the homework to prove beleifs are incorrect
62
what is REBT
extension of Ellis ABC model which is used to explain depression. the technique is to challenge and identify thoughts. A, B, C, Disputations to challenge irrational beliefs, Effective new beliefs to replace the irrational ones.
63
what are the types of challenging irrational beliefs (REBT)
empirical argument- disputing whether evidence to support irrational belief logical argument- disputing whether negative thought actually follows from the facts
64
what is the goal of behavioural activation (REBT)
to work with depressed individuals to decrease their avoidance and isolation and increase their engagement in activities that have been shown to improve mood e.g. exercising
65
what is two strengths of using the cognitive approach to TREAT depression
p-evidence of effectiveness e- studies adolecents in 3 treatment groups- CBT, anti depressents and both. after weeks 81% of CBT, 81% of drug group and 86% of combination showed improvements c- good cause for treating D using CBT ot a combo. p-offer long term treatment (CBT) e- learn new skills to help irrational thinking to rational which can be used independently in future c- enables people to 'future proof' and cope therefore cheaper and effective rather than medication their whole life
66
what are 2 limitations of using the cognitive approach to treat depression
p- not be suitable for a range of diverse clients E- include lots of motivation and commitment. those with severe depression may not be able to motivate themselves to engage in work of CBT. complex thinking may be difficult for those with learning disabilities c- cant be used as a sole treatment so medication may be needed c- recent research says effective with learning disabilities p-rely on the relationship between the patient and the therapist e- research shows that the quality of relationship detirmines the overall success of therapy. poor R reduces effeciveness c-if a poor relationship may deteriote and be back on the waiting list- medication doesnt descriminate.
67
what are the genetic explanations to treating OCD
genetic explanations- candidate genes, polygenic, aetiologically heterogeneous
68
what are the specific genes which create vulnerability for OCD
candidate genes- COMT,SERT
69
what is a COMT gene
regulates neurotransmitter dopamine- higher levels in dopamine linked to OCD
70
what is a SERT gene
linked to serotonin and affects the transport of this neurotransmitter. lowe levels assiosiated with OCD
71
what does it mean by OCD is polygenic
OCD not caused by one single gene but several genes are involved, research found that 230 may be involved
72
what does it mean by OCD is aetiologically heterogeneous
one group of genes may cause OCD in one person but a different group may cause the disorder in another person
73
what is an advantage of a genetic explanation for OCD
p-supporting evidence from twin studies suggesting a strong biological link to OCD e- 68% identical twins MZ shared OCD and 31% non identical. person with a family member 4x more likely to develop disorder c-shows people who are genetically similar are more likely to get OCD supporting the role of genetic vulnerability
74
what is a disadvantage of using genetic explanations for OCD
p- not a concordance rate of 100% suggesting must be some environmental factors e-e.g a research found a sample over half people with OCD experienced a traumatic event. OCD positively correlated with number of traumas c-matters because only provides a partial explanation for OCD`
75
what are the neural explanations of OCD
the role of serotonin neuroanatomy left parahippocampal gyrus
76
what is the role of serotonin in OCD
helps regulate mood. if a person has low levels a person may experience low moods. some cases of OCD explained by reduction in the functioning of serotonin in brain
77
How does the frontal lobes (neuroanatomy) explain OCD
The frontal lobes- front part of the brain that are responsible for decision making and thinking. OCD involves impaired thinking (obsessions) and impaired decision making (compulsions
78
How does the left parahippocampal gyrus (neuroatomy) explain OCD
Part of the brain with processing unpleasant emotions Link to emotional element of OCD- anxiety and guilt
79
What is a strength of the neural explanation of OCD
P-useful in developing treatments for individuals suffering with the disorder E- PET scans has identified low levels of serotonin in OCD patients brains and drugs that increase serotonin levels have been found to reduce symptoms. C- this matters because the fact that these drugs have high effectiveness suggests that biological factors are likely to be involved in OCD. C- however don’t reduce OCD symptoms in all patients- traumatic life experiences could play a role.
80
What is a limitation of the neural explanation of OCD
P-cause and effect can’t be established E-the biological model suggests OCD is explained by brain dysfunction. However this is just a correlation which does not indicate a casual relationship, OCD might cause the abnormal brain function. C-this means there is a lack of strong evidence for a neural basis of OCD
81
What is the biological approach to treating OCD
SSRIs (drug therapy)
82
What is the aim of drug therapy (SSRIs) in OCD
In OCD it’s thought the neurotransmitter involves is serotonin being too low. Drug therapy aims the increase levels so a reduction in symptoms would occur
83
What are SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (don’t have to learn) Form of anti-depressant and work on serotonin levels in the brain, can treat OCD and depression. Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline (under 18s)
84
How do SSRIs work
In those with OCD serotonin is released into the synapse but the axon (pre synaptic neurone) reabsorbs the serotonin too quickly leading to lower levels of serotonin They work by stopping the reuptake of the neurotransmitter by blocking the re uptake channels This means more serotonin is found within the synapse making it more likely to bind with the dendrite of the post synaptic neurone and send on the electrical impulse Then reduces symptoms of OCD.
85
Why and how will dosage of SSRIs differ from person to person
Severity of symptoms may differ Age/ height/ weight Start on lowest dose- 20mg. Taken daily normally in tablet form. If not effective after 3-4 moths it’s increased up to 60mg or given another treatment. May take up to 4 weeks of continual usage before reduction of symptoms. 3-4 months some cases
86
Why is more effective to combine SSRIs with CBT
Drugs reduce a persons emotional symptoms such as feeling anxious or depressed. Means that they engage more effectively with CBT.
87
What is an alternative to an SSRIs
Tricyclics- people who don’t respond to SSRIs. Same effect but side effects can be more severe
88
What are 2 strengths of using the biological approach to to treat OCD
P- effectiveness E-soomro eat al carried out a review of studies comparing the effectiveness of placebos and SSRIs. Symptoms declined in 70% of patients taking SSRIs. C- strength as if patients are treated of symptoms like obsessions and compulsions it means they will have a better QOL and therefore work and improve the economy C- however not most effective as a case-by-case approach should be adopted when giving treatment P-cost effective and non disruptive to peoples lives. E- cheap compared to psychological treatments which is good value for the NHS. SSRIs is non disruptive to peoples lives because quicker and easier to take a drug rather than spending time going to therapy C- many people prefer this, more likely to engage, treat symtoms
89
What are 2 limitations to using the biological approach to treat OCD
P- potentially serious side effects E- side effects such as Indigestion, blurred vision, loss of sex drive. Usually temporary however can be distressing and long lasting C- means people QOL may be poor and stop taking treatment to avoid side effects which may lead to a relapse in symptoms p-criticised for treating the symptoms of the disorder and not the cause e- although SSRis work by increasing levels of serotonin which reduces anxiety it does not treat the underlying cause of OCD. and when the patients stop taking the drug they are prone to relapse c- may be more useful to use drugs with a combination with other therapies to cure OCD- evidence shows more effective when in combination with psychological therapies
90
What did research find about psychology and what are the implications on the economy
Found that after 36 weeks 81% of CBT 81% of drugs and 86% of combination showed significant improvements in their symptoms of depression. Symptoms of OCD declined in 70% of patients taking SSRIs compared to a placebo. Economy- less long term absences from work so less sick pay and a replacement temporary worker- overall pay less and save money. CBT and SSRIs effective so people c a live normal lives and earn money to pay tax and more productive in work. Short term benefits in drug therapy- relieves symptoms Long term benefits in CBT- treats root cause and allows people to future proof

Psychology Paper 1 (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions